Jan Burns first noticed that Cinnamon, her family’s 6-year-old goldendoodle, was unusually lethargic. Then the dog’s legs slowly gave way, leaving her unable to stand and prompting a trip to an emergency veterinary medical center.
Burns said Cinnamon had eaten remnants of cannabis gummies while playing in the family’s backyard. An outside construction crew had left the pieces in a baggie and later acknowledged the mistake.
At the emergency center, Cinnamon was treated after a large amount of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, was found in her system. No information was provided about her condition after treatment or the length of her recovery.
The case highlights a practical problem for dog owners: Cannabis exposure may not be immediately apparent when a product has been dropped or left outdoors. Sudden lethargy, difficulty walking or an inability to stand warrants prompt veterinary attention, especially when a dog might have reached an edible.
Signs can develop within hours
Lindsey Tanalski, DVM, said Green Acres Veterinary Center in Tonawanda, New York, sees two to three cases per week involving pets that have ingested recreational marijuana. The Prevention Council of Erie County has also observed a sharp increase in accidental ingestion.
Signs identified by Tanalski include unbalanced walking, urine leakage, staring into space and increased sensitivity to interaction. Cornell University’s veterinary guidance says signs can begin within 30 minutes to several hours and may last as long as 72 hours.
Other possible signs listed by Cornell include a dazed expression, dilated or glassy eyes, agitation, changes in heart rate or blood pressure, trouble regulating body temperature and tremors. Severe cases may involve seizures or coma. These signs can have multiple causes, so owners should not attempt to diagnose cannabis exposure at home.
Tanalski said the seriousness of a high-dose exposure depends partly on the dog’s size. Some dogs may need hospitalization, and very high doses can cause seizures.
Call before trying a home remedy
Owners who know or suspect that their dog consumed cannabis should contact a veterinarian immediately. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available around the clock at 888-426-4435, and the Pet Poison Helpline provides 24-hour assistance at 855-764-7661. Consultation fees may apply to either service.
Do not induce vomiting or give activated charcoal without professional direction. Cornell warns that dogs already showing signs should not receive either at home because THC’s sedating effects can create an aspiration risk.
If packaging is available, owners should tell the veterinarian what type of product was eaten, its THC concentration, the possible amount and the approximate timing. Cornell says diagnosis is generally based on the exposure history, physical examination and clinical signs; human urine screening tests frequently produce false-negative results in dogs.
Treatment depends on the dog’s condition. Tanalski described IV fluids, other medications and a dark, quiet setting as typical measures. Cornell similarly notes that care is supportive because there is no antidote for THC intoxication; mild cases may be monitored at home under veterinary guidance, while more seriously affected dogs can require close monitoring and hospital care.
Edibles may carry more than one risk
The THC is not always the only concern. Cornell advises checking edible packaging for other ingredients that can harm dogs, including chocolate and xylitol. The Food and Drug Administration warns that xylitol, a sweetener sometimes used in sugar-free products, can cause a rapid drop in a dog’s blood sugar and may lead to liver injury.
Prevention begins with treating cannabis products like other substances that can poison a pet. Tanalski and the Prevention Council advise placing them in a high or locked cabinet that animals and children cannot access. Cornell also recommends securing guests’ belongings and watching dogs closely around discarded remnants during walks.
For Burns, the concern extends beyond storage inside the home. Her family’s experience shows that a dog can encounter a discarded product in its own yard, and she urged people to pay closer attention to what they leave behind. What would you do if your dog were in this situation? Share your thoughts in the comments.
By Sarah Mitchell — 8 years as a local-news reporter covering animal welfare, shelters, neighborhood disputes, and public-safety pet stories.
